Weight Loss Update: #ChelleO’sArms!

*long post alert! ;)*
CURLIES!!! Many of you have been following my healthy lifestyle journey- that began in March 2013. I had reached an all time high in my weight gain- and was well OVER 250lbs (#truthmoment- it’s the first time I’ve shared that number with my CurlFriends! I was bad, y’all!)-

I had allowed myself to completely disregard my health, my comfort, and honestly- my happiness. I was an athlete all through high school- and even did track in college- but once school was out, my activity level plummeted, and my college ‘fast food’ eating habits stuck around…

Fast forward to March 2013- at this point, over the past 3 years I’d managed to lose 30lbs (and gain it back plus more!) FOUR TIMES. All by exercise- I joined a gym, got a trainer, started walking- you name it. I even managed to drop 30 lbs in 2 months by my wedding day- but I was still heavier than I’d ever been-

Not good. I just didn’t feel like…me.

Well- I was almost 2 years into my natural hair journey and going natural had been (HAS BEEN!) such a liberating journey of self discovery that it has caused me all sorts of reflection. I started thinking- if being natural/using clean products is so important to my hair- why can’t I apply this to my body/health? If someone had told me 2 years before that I would give up relaxers- I would’ve LAUGHED IN THEIR FACE! And here I am. Maybe if I give up eating poorly, I can succeed there too?

Coincidentally, at this time one of my close friends decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle (a drastic change for her)- I was inspired by her willingness to ‘try something new,’ and though I knew that I wouldn’t do away with meat forever- I knew that I could probably cut back a lot- and add more veggies. My thoughts were- Even if I didn’t lose weight, hopefully my health would improve, right? So I educated myself on ‘meatless’ dishes, and veggie alternatives- and the eating was SOOO good-

(Details on my Foods & Dishes HERE!)
And not only did my health improve- cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides- everything- but the weight was coming off! AND FAST!

Even my husband- who wasn’t fully committed to a healthy lifestyle- and still ate meat outside of the house whenever- saw huge results!

And with ZERO EXERCISE. Not one day in the gym. All these years of going back and forth with my weight- without realizing that I can have the BEST workout plan and the BEST trainer- but if I don’t know how to eat clean and healthy- I will never have a sustainable healthy weight. Never.

That doesn’t mean working out isn’t important. My big update is that I AM working out. But nothing crazy- no jumping in hard, and setting myself up to quit- it’s about long term, sustainable habits. Right now, I’m in terrible shape- while I am lighter, I don’t have the stamina I need to run a marathon. But that’s okay- and to be expected. My first goal is to- Just get out there and move. 3 times a week, I am putting on my workout gear, and walking a few laps in the park.

I don’t have a time goal, or distance goal- I just walk until I’m totally burned out- then I do ONE MORE lap past that point, and call it a day. The first day it was about 20 mins of walking- but by the end of the week (my 3rd walking trip)- I walked for 45 minutes. Yup. I’m doing this.

I’m not watching the scale the same way, and hoping to just feel results- but no matter what, I am happy to have made it this far.

For those Curlies starting a healthy journey- I’m right here with y’all- way to go! For those looking for some inspiration- scroll up, I transformed- you can too. Oh, and Mrs. First Lady- you think you have ripped arm muscles?

Just wait to you see my newest ‘After’ Pic- I’m gettin there little by little-

Keep up the hard work, Curlies! It will take LESS time to fix, than the years it took to get off track- stick with it!

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Comments

awwww, sweety, your story brought me to tears, i totally feel you. I congratulate you on your success so far because i know what it takes. I would love to feature your story, on my weight loss blog. plsss plssss say yes! People need to hear your story and know that its really not about working our all the time but by determination and commitment. keep it up girl. P.s i love so love your hair blogs and you have inspired me to keep nurturing my curls. love you girl! God bless you. Cheliz. http://www.chelizrubycube.blogspot.com

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Hey There!

I'm Nicole! and welcome to the NapNic internets- here you'll find the latest products, DIY everythang, crazy dances from my The Hubbin and details on NapNic beauty/style- letting you live gorgeous and healthy from 'Fro to Toe.

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As always, feel free to email me with any questions, details, frustrations, tips, tricks or more. Send me your best style pics for me to share with my curlies or tell me about your blissful journey! I love to hear from you!